"Bibidong Auntie, where is my fiancée? Why have I never seen her in Spirit City?"
Having reluctantly accepted reality, Lin Ye still couldn't help but ask.
"Hehe, your little fiancée isn't in Spirit City right now. She's on a secret mission for our Spirit Hall. Currently, she's in Heaven Dou City. When you head there, you should be able to meet her."
Seeing Lin Ye's helpless expression, Bibidong spoke with a playful tone.
"On a special mission in Heaven Dou City?"
Lin Ye scratched his head, feeling a headache coming on.
Out of nowhere, he suddenly had a fiancée, and now this previous Pope—should he start calling him grandfather?
"Bibidong, you came here just to bring me a grandson-in-law?"
Qian Daoliu felt like his head was about to explode.
However, regarding Lin Ye, whom he had observed living in Spirit City for three years, Qian Daoliu had a good impression. He didn't think Lin Ye was unworthy of his granddaughter.
In fact, Lin Ye was probably the only one in the entire Douluo Continent who could match his granddaughter.
Though he wasn't dissatisfied with Lin Ye, as a grandfather who had watched his granddaughter grow up, the thought of her being taken by another boy made Qian Daoliu feel bitter.
"This is just incidental…"
Bibidong's lips curled into a faint smile at Qian Daoliu's question.
"Actually, I'm here to borrow a Title Douluo from you. Lin Ye will be leaving for a year and needs someone to protect him. Since he has to conceal his identity as part of Spirit Hall, it's inconvenient to send Chrysanthemum Douluo or Ghost Douluo. So, I had to come to you."
"He's leaving? Isn't the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament happening in a year? Why leave now?"
Qian Daoliu asked, puzzled.
"You don't need to worry about that. I have my arrangements. Just tell me whether you agree or not!"
Bibidong's tone was calm yet firm.
"Of course, I agree!"
Qian Daoliu sighed helplessly.
Bibidong had already introduced Lin Ye as her grandson-in-law—how could he refuse?
"Which Title Douluo do you plan to send with Lin Ye?"
Bibidong pressed further.
"Let Golden Crocodile go. With him around, even if the two from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan join forces, there won't be any issues."
Qian Daoliu thought for a moment before replying.
"Then go inform Elder Golden Crocodile. Lin Ye will leave Spirit City tomorrow. Have Elder Golden Crocodile meet me at the Pope's Palace then."
Satisfied with Qian Daoliu's response, Bibidong nodded, then turned and left with Lin Ye.
"Let's go!"
Watching their departing figures, Qian Daoliu let out a heavy sigh.
This deal was a major loss—not only had he given away his granddaughter, but now he was also sending off one of his most reliable subordinates.
He could only hope that this young man would treat Xue'er well.
From his previous observations, Lin Ye didn't seem like someone who would cause trouble…
---
That evening, Lin Ye treated Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan to a meal in Spirit City, informing them of his temporary one-year departure for a special mission assigned by Bibidong.
The next day, Lin Ye returned to the Pope's Palace.
"Greetings, Your Holiness!"
Entering the grand hall of the palace, Lin Ye bowed slightly to Bibidong, who sat regally on her throne.
Unlike the previous day, when only Lin Ye and Bibidong were present, today there was an additional figure—an elder clad in a black robe.
"Lin Ye, this is Elder Golden Crocodile, a Level 98 Title Douluo of Spirit Hall. Even across the entire Douluo Continent, Elder Golden Crocodile is among the strongest. For the next year, Elder Golden Crocodile will be responsible for your safety. He will also assist you in hunting soul beasts in the Star Dou Forest."
On her throne, Bibidong spoke with a blend of grace and authority.
Hearing this, the black-robed Golden Crocodile Douluo turned toward Lin Ye, cupping his fists slightly.
"Greetings, Holy Son!"
"Elder Golden Crocodile, greetings!"
Lin Ye quickly returned the gesture with a respectful bow.
"Alright, if you're ready to depart, you may leave now."
Seeing their brief exchange, Bibidong smiled faintly.
"Yes, Your Holiness!"
---
Leaving the Pope's Palace, Lin Ye and Golden Crocodile Douluo descended the hill toward Spirit City.
"Elder Golden Crocodile, do you have anything you need to prepare? If not, we can set off immediately and hire a carriage to the Star Dou Forest."
As they walked, Lin Ye inquired politely.
"I have nothing to prepare. You may decide everything, Holy Son. I am here solely to ensure your safety."
Golden Crocodile Douluo replied calmly, with a faint smile.
"I understand…"
Lin Ye nodded, understanding the elder's stance.
Golden Crocodile Douluo's meaning was clear: he would only act as a protector and wouldn't interfere with other matters unless necessary.
This arrangement suited Lin Ye perfectly.
Although Golden Crocodile Douluo's wisdom and experience could be invaluable in certain situations, their age gap and unfamiliarity made communication slightly awkward.
Now that Golden Crocodile Douluo had chosen to remain in a purely protective role, Lin Ye felt relieved.
---
After hiring a carriage in Spirit City, Lin Ye and Golden Crocodile Douluo departed for the Star Dou Forest.
The Star Dou Forest, a vast expanse spanning nearly the entire Douluo Continent, was larger in area within the Star Luo Empire than in the Heaven Dou Empire.
Since Spirit City was located at the border of the two empires, Lin Ye headed toward the Heaven Dou Empire's portion of the forest, as it was closer to his destination.
After nearly half a month of travel, Lin Ye finally arrived at the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest within the Heaven Dou Empire.
Paying the carriage driver, Lin Ye watched the vehicle disappear into the distance.
Standing before the endless forest, Lin Ye turned to Golden Crocodile Douluo.
"Let's go."
Together, they stepped into the vast forest, heading toward its depths.
Target—The Core of the Star Dou Forest!
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